BARNET boss Dean Brennan admitted Southend United were worthy winners at the Hive.
The Shrimpers triumphed 3-0 against the Bees.
But Brennan was disappointed his side were unable to go in front during their best spell of the game early on.
“I thought we started really well for the first 20, 25 minutes,” Brennan told Barnet’s YouTube channel.
“We had four or five corners and got in some good areas but they defended those corners well.
“When you’re top you need to score in this division and we didn’t manage to do that.
“Southend got on top in the back end of the first half and managed to score in that period.”
Kacper Lopata fired Blues in front just before the break and Callum Powell doubled that lead at the start of the second half, which was another blow to Brennan.
“At the start of the second half we knew the next goal was going to be vital and they got it from a long throw,” said Brennan.
“They defended much better than us on the night and I think we were without too many key players against a very, very good Southend side.
“If you look at both squads, they’ve got Rhys Murphy, Jake Hyde and a lot of top players but from our point of view we need to strengthen.
“They deserved their victory but that first goal was important and we never managed to get it when we were on top.
“The opposition deserved that victory and deserved to win by that scoreline as well.
“Full credit to them but we have to make sure we stick to the standards we set against Bromley.
“If we do that we’re a good side."
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